“The points are not the poetry, the poetry is the point” is a phrase the emcee emphasizes after every performer gets up and does their thing at Hickman’s annual poetry slam. The poetry slam at Hickman has been going strong for 15 years thanks to Nancy White, the Creative Writing and American Literature teacher here at Hickman High. Hickman hosts the poetry slam every fall and spring for all the creative writing classes and students who just love poetry. Mrs. White expressed that when she became a teacher there were not poetry classes or anything with creativity, so she pushed and persevered to not only turn it into a club, but an actual class where students can voice their opinions in an artistic and innovative way. It is a place where people can come together to share poetry without worrying about judgement or consequences. High school students do not usually get the opportunity to speak their minds in a way that is appropriate, so this creates an outlet, a safe environment, and most importantly a warm environment.

Compared to big poetry slams in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and New York, the poetry slam here is more intimate, but should still have the same energy and passion. However, like big poetry slams, there are judges. This year there will be five judges. The judges give a score from 1-10 and critiques based off of imagery, volume, performance, cadence, and originality. But don’t worry, “the points are not the poetry, the poetry is the point.” Never forget that! So, come join us! Thursday the 16th from 4:15-6:00! Open to everyone! Free! Come! Snap and encourage your fellow writers, artists, and performers.